Best Architectural Design Firm: Axia Architects

dsc_4198_cropped
axia
dsc_4198_cropped

axia

“Our emphasis has always been on really understanding the client. In the case of companies, trying to understand what makes them successful and then trying to incorporate that into their facilities.” —Doug Hilberman, principal

AXIA Architects was voted best architectural firm in the North Bay for the 10th time, something Doug Hilberman, principal, attributes to the firm’s commitment to client partnerships and its legacy of community engagement.

Its motto, “Architecture from all angles,” is more than just a play on words. It embodies the firm’s mission of forming those client partnerships that ensure designs provide what a client needs, Hilberman says.

The 13-person firm, which includes six licensed architects, emphasizes these close partnerships, ensuring projects ranging anywhere from $1 – $60 million are built to serve all the needs of a client’s home or business.

“Our emphasis has always been on really understanding the client. In the case of companies, trying to understand what makes them successful and then trying to incorporate that into their facilities,” Hilberman says. “Taking into account what makes them successful operationally, we turn around and try to project that into the facilities.”

The firm works primarily in the five North Bay Area counties, generally operating out of Santa Rosa, where it serves a variety of industries. From educational facilities, to corporate offices, to wineries and high-end residential projects, AXIA continues to commit to projects that provide benefit to the community and the client.

Hilberman recalls the firm’s work designing Epicenter facility beginning in 2013 as an example of how the firm works. “That was a great example of a project that hit on the kind of vision and merits that we’ve been talking about in terms of giving back to the community,” Hilberman says. “The idea turning [an under-utilized warehouse] into an entertainment and sports venue that could be enjoyed by the community appealed to us. We were honored to be able to design something like that.”

The firm carries that dedication to area with its community service work as an organization, something it also encourages in its employees’ private lives.

“As a regional architecture firm, we also engage with and give back to the community. We see it as part of our role as a community organization to also engage well beyond architecture in various parts of the community to help the community as a whole,” Hilberman says.

During the wildfires, for example, AXIA has supported various nonprofits serving those affected and donated numerous hours to educate victims on resources. During the pandemic, it focused its support on Redwood Empire Food Bank, Social Advocates for Youth, as well as lunch and food programs for schools.

The AXIA team has a long tradition of being leaders in the community off the clock as well. According to Hilberman, many on staff have volunteered their time chairing committees for the city, leading local organizations, and teaching youth sports, for example.

AXIA has been able to weather the COVID-19 pandemic by working remotely, and Hilberman praised his staff’s flexibility.

Hilberman has been with AXIA since 2003, when he and his wife moved to the area from Portland to replace retiring principals. Taking over in 2006, he has been committed to supporting the community and training the firm’s next generation of architects.

“We’re incredibly honored by the award. There are so many great organizations in this community. . We try to approach every day striving for excellence,” Hilberman says.

axiaarchitects.com

 

Photo courtesy of Axia Architects

Related Posts

Loading...

Sections